ÁÁ[lxxxiv. 153]

1822 Feb. 6

Codification Offer.

Appendix or Separate

??5 Admission Universal

Members unapt

Development

The sinister propensity has been brought to view: in every human this propensity has [...?]: in every human breast subject or not to exceptions which do not vary the result, it is irresistible

The case is that if the greatest happiness principle be admitted as the determining principle in comparison of an individual not possessing any share in the operative power of government, an individual possessing any such share, is as such, in a state of comparative /relative/ inaptitude with reference to the exercise of the function by which the original draught of the body of law in question would be composed /prepared/.

The following are the considerations on which a demonstration of the truth /the proof/ of this position may perhaps be seen given /found demonstrated/.

1. In every human breast, in the ordinary course of affairs self©regard is predominant: self©regarding affection, as well as social and dissocial

2 As in every other human breast, so in the breast of every individual bearing any part in the possession or exercise of any of the powers of which government is composed.

3. In every political community every member of the ruling few has two distinguishable interests © his share in the universal interest, and his own separate, particular and personal interest.

4. In so far as its action is in opposition to that of /in a direction opposite to that of/ the universal interest, every particular interest may with propriety be stiled a sinister interest.

5 Every interest belonging to a ruler as such, /To every ruler as such belongs/ and not coinciding exactly with his share in the universal interest is /may be termed/ a sinister interest.

6. If this is not good in the character of a universal rule at least is it in the character of a general one, and on all occasions unless in so far as a particular and adequate cause of exception can be shewn, it is by the greater number of instances not by the lesser that human conduct ought to be guided